Polyphonic bricolage and cultural humility: A framework for reimagining art therapy practice in the Afro-Caribbean context

This article proposes polyphonic bricolage, a concept introduced by Schmidt (2006), that embraces the dynamic blending of diverse cultural influences as a tool for addressing the psychosocial needs of Afro-Caribbean clients in art therapy. Eurocentric art therapy models often fail to account for the cultural complexities of these communities, resulting in marginalisation and inequitable practices. Polyphonic bricolage offers a lens for understanding the shifting cultural identities of Afro-Caribbean clients, emphasising their fluidity, agency, and identity formation. When integrated with cultural humility, it highlights the art therapist’s role in fostering therapeutic alliances and ensuring equitable practice. By cultivating self-reflexivity and flexibility, art therapists can recognise biases and create spaces that honour clients’ lived experiences. This integrated framework encourages culturally responsive interventions that build trust, empower clients, and lead to meaningful therapeutic outcomes. A brief supervision vignette demonstrates how a lack of cultural understanding can cause harm and illustrates the importance of culturally attuned practice. Ultimately, combining polyphonic bricolage with cultural humility provides a pathway for art therapists to engage Afro-Caribbean communities in a more responsive, fair, and empowering way.